To him, the widely-held insinuations that university staff who are not lecturers in the Ivory towers are extra baggages are due to ignorance, mischief and deliberate misinformation.

Salaam, National Vice President, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, spoke during an interview coming on the heels of debate on how to halt the decadence going on in the university system.

He also asserted that even in universities in the United Kingdom and America, facts had emerged that there were higher population of non-teaching staff cadre than their lecturing counterparts.

According to him, the professional services rendered by non-teaching personnel across board in any university system are not limited to clerical and record keeping functions but cover a while gamut of job functions like medical, finance, administration, transportation, engineering, environmental, security, media and image management.

Salaam said: “There are many misconceptions about the non-teaching staff which are not in the public domain due to ignorance, mischief and deliberate misinformation particularly when they want to run a narrative that non-teaching personnel can be done away with in the university system.

“This issue of overbloating is a serious misconception. What is the total personnel overhead costs for non teaching staff compared to academic staff?

“The total overhead costs of salaries for non-teaching staff is not up to 50% of what is paid to academic staff. In most universities, academic staff get between 55% and 70% of the salary overhead costs.

“The reality is the cost of maintaining an average non-teaching staff on the university payroll is only one-fifth of what it takes to maintain an average academic staff.

“I did a comprehensive research on the issue in 2014 and noted that across universities in the UK between 2004 and 2012, there was a consistent population of between 45% and 48% academic staff in Universities in UK and non-teaching staff accounting for between 52% and 55%.

“I also did research on Ivy League universities in the US, such as Stanford, Cambridge, John Hopkins, University of Michigan, University of California, etc and realised a higher population of non-teaching staff compared to academic staff.

READ ALSO: Why diaspora brains must redesign Nigeria’s urban future

“This is because of the several professional services which the non-teaching staff render across board.

“An analysis of three first generation Universities – ABU, UNN and UI 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 sessions showed between 54% and 62% budgetary personnel allocation for academic staff compared to 46% to 38% budgetary allocation to non-teaching staff.

“This is despite the fact that the population numbers of non-teaching staff were significantly higher. ABU had 73% of its staff being non-teaching staff but the financial implication of that huge population was only 48%. The documents are there so people should not do mischief.”

The post Varsities can’t exist without significant number of non-teaching staff -SSANU appeared first on Frontpageng.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, the trade unions gave the federal government seven-day ultimatum to resolve labour issues or face strike.

The letter signed by NASU General Secretary, Prince Peter Adeyemi and, SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim was made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

The grievances listed by the unions included ₦50 billion earned allowances disbursement, withheld salaries, unpaid arrears of 25/35 per cent salary increment, and the unfulfilled renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NASU/SSANU agreement.

READ ALSO: 7 things Simi Fubara must do as he resumes from suspension

They alleged that their members in universities were shortchanged, while staff members in inter-university centres were completely excluded from the ₦50 billion allowances disbursement.

On salaries, the unions demanded immediate payment of withheld arrears and 25/35 per cent increment, stressing that government had failed to honour repeated assurances.

“Despite assurances, nothing concrete has been done to pay our members,” they stated.

They further accused government of sidelining non-teaching unions in renegotiating the 2009 agreement, describing the delay as unfair and unacceptable.

“In light of persistent neglect, we serve a seven-day notice effective September 15, 2025.

“Failure to act will trigger industrial actions including strikes,” the unions said.

Source: NAN

The post NASU, SSANU issue FG seven-day strike notice appeared first on Frontpageng.

The association said the decision to allocate the N50 billion released to universities, using a 20-80 per cent sharing formula in favour of Teaching Staff was not only unjust but also a clear breach of the agreement reached with government by the Joint Action Committee, JAC, of the Non-Teaching unions of SSANU and NASU on August 23, 2022.

According to a press statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Olugbenga Alayode, SSANU-FUNAAB, in the spirit of equity and fairness, demanded the immediate reversal of the decision, urging the federal government to adopt a 50-50 per cent sharing formula, which is more equitable and just.

READ ALSO: Johnson Chukwu, other speakers for Supernews AI confab ’25

The statement reads further: “We insist that the N50bn should be disbursed to universities to share among their staff in an equitable manner, without any form of favoritism or discrimination. This will ensure that all staff, regardless of their cadre, benefit fairly from the allocation.

“We urge the federal government to avoid any actions that may cause further divisions within the university system, as we will not hesitate to take necessary actions as may be directed by our National Executives Council, NEC, to protect the interests of our members if this injustice is not addressed.

“SSANU-FUNAAB stands firm for integrity, equity and justice in solidarity with all its members.”

The post N50b EA: SSANU-FUNAAB demands equitable distribution appeared first on Frontpageng.

Their demands from the Lagos State government, their employer, include increase in salary and addressing salary disparities between LASU and other universities in the state.

The demands also include payment of 20 per cent salary increase as promised by the governor during his election campaign.

Others include payment of 20 per cent and 35 per cent agreement reached between the federal government and university workers.

The unions involved include the LASU Chapters of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU.

Also involved are the LASU Chapters of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT.

Mr Justice Obafemi, the chairman, NASU-LASU, said that the genesis of the industrial action was the promise of 20 per cent salary increase made by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos during his electioneering campaign.

Obafemi said that after the election, the governor only paid the civil servants at Alausa Secretariat, neglecting the staff of the tertiary institutions.

“They used us, and in spite of our active contributions and efforts we made during the election, they have not fulfilled their promise.

“There is also disparity in payment of salaries between LASU and the other two state-owned tertiary institutions.

“Even before Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), and Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) transmuted to universities, their staff were earning more than LASU staff,” the NASU chairman said.

Obafemi added that when the administration came on board as new leaders, the unions wrote to the state government to look into the disparities.

READ ALSO: Oluyede officially assumes command as 24th COAS

“Also, the 20 per cent and 35 per cent agreement reached between federal government and university workers.

“We set up a committee to look into it and sent all our requests to the government to harmonise salaries of all the academic institutions in the state.

“We had several meetings with the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education and Ministry of Establishment and Training.

“Also, the LASU management tried to step into the matter. The vice-chancellor has pleaded severally but we cannot continue to sacrifice the welfare of our union members,” Obafemi said.

Prof Ibrahim Bakare, Chairman of ASUU-LASU, said that the unions were more interested in peace, adding that the action was an agitation for staff welfare.

Bakare said that all unions in the institution decided to come together and collaborate to get to where they were.

“We are being civil and not disrespecting the Senate of the university. We will remain calm for the government to address our demands and call us for a meeting,” he said.

Mr Seyi Lawal, Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU-LASU, said that it had discussed and given the government several ultimatums to address and meet its demands.

Lawal said that the government had been playing games with them, so the unions decided to take action by calling for an indefinite strike.

“We have not even gotten to the stage of payment of minimum wage, we want the government to address these demands first,” he said.

Mrs Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relation, LASU, said in a statement that the institution’s Senate had declared a Christmas and New Year break for the students and staff.

She said that the break started on Monday till January 5, 2025, adding that all university activities, including lectures and socio-academic events, would resume on January 6, 2025.

“All students residing in the university’s hostels across all campuses (Ojo, LASUCOM, Epe and Badagry) are required to vacate the hostels within 48 hours.

“The university management appreciates the support and dedication of staff and students throughout the year and wishes everyone a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year,” Thomas-Onashile said.

Source: NAN

The post LASU staff begin indefinite strike over disparities in salary payment appeared first on Frontpageng.

JAC comprises the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU.

Mr Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, made the announcement in a statement jointly signed by Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU on Sunday in Abuja.

It would be recalled that JAC had directed it members to embark on an indefinite strike on October 28, to  demand for the payment of four months salaries and implementation of other demands.

It said the decision to suspend the ongoing strike for a month was due to exhaustive deliberations held with the federal government.

According to him, these high-level engagements culminated into extracting an irrevocable commitment from the federal government that two out of the four months salaries would be paid in staggered forms.

He said that a payment of the agreement had been made in October 2024, adding that the second month would be paid by the end of November.

READ ALSO: Lassa fever cases rise as Nigeria enters week 41 of 2024

“Arising from the above and in view of the level of commitment exhibited by the new Minister of Education and the leadership of the Department of State Services.

“The leadership of JAC, after several contacts and other patriotic considerations, hereby directs that the ongoing  strike be suspended for one month effective Tuesday, November 5,  2024.

“Branch leaders of both NASU and SSANU are hereby directed to convene a joint congress in their respective campuses.

“We wish to reiterate that discussions on the remaining two months, the N5O billion Earned Allowances, Arrears of 25/35 per cent and the Wage Award have been revisited and are undergoing deliberations,” it said.

The post NASU, SSANU suspend ongoing strike appeared first on Frontpageng.

The Chairman, SSANU, OAU Ile-Ife, Dr Taiwo Arobadi, disclosed this on Tuesday, in Ile-Ife.

Arobadi said that it was a pity that new students, who were being exposed to the dos and don’ts in the institution, could have such an ugly experience, while entering the institution.

He said that the union had directed the new students to remain in their hostels or return to their homes, if they came from far distance locations.

According to him, the offices would remain under lock and key and academic activities would as well be paralysed until the government answered them by paying their withheld four months salary.

READ ALSO: Gaza aid fears as Israel bans UN Palestinian refugee agency

The SSANU chairman said that it was unanimously agreed by the union for the strike to be total and indefinite, until government listened to them.

He pointed out that the union could not allow the government to treat its members like slaves in their own country.

“We have spoken with the university management and appealed that they understand the position of the union, adding that the order for the strike came from the national leadership of the union.

“Immediately we receive alert on our phones, we will resume our duties,” he said.

Arobadi, therefore, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider the plight of Nigerian youths, whose parents could not afford to sponsor their education abroad, and look into their demand.

SSANU and NASU embarked on a nationwide indefinite strike on Monday to demand the payment of their withheld four months salary.

Source: NAN

The post SSANU, NASU strike paralyses freshers’ orientation in OAU appeared first on Frontpageng.

It said that followed the non-payment of the four months withheld salaries of its members.

The JAC comprises the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU.

The announcement is contained in a circular addressed to all branch chairmen in the universities and inter-university centres.

The circular was jointly signed by Mr Peters Adeyemi, General-Secretary of NASU, and Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU, was issued in Abuja on Sunday.

READ ALSO: Police arrest former councillor for alleged attempted kidnap

The circular was entitled, “Latest development in respect of the withheld four months salaries.”

It said JAC regretted that in spite of President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the 50 per cent of the four months withheld salaries to be paid none of its members had received any payment.

“It is on record that JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this ugly situation. However, the sincerity of government to our cause is in doubt.

“In view of this, the leadership of JAC has decided that the effective date for the strike be moved to mid-night of Sunday, 27th October 2024.

“This is to allow the Branch Officers of NASU to be on ground before commencing the strike.

“We have to do this strategic change in timing for effective co-ordination and for both unions to be on same page.

“We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership and we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured,” it said.

Source: NAN

The post NASU, SSANU declare indefinite nationwide strike over salaries appeared first on Frontpageng.

President of the association, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, made the declaration at a virtual stakeholders forum, organised by the Education Writers Association of Nigeria, EWAN, on Sunday in Lagos.

The forum, which also had Mr Ibeji Nwokoma, President of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational And Associated Institutions, NASU, in attendance, was on “Withheld Salaries vs Labour Crisis”.

The Joint Action Committee, JAC, of affected university labour unions had, on March 18, directed members to down tools, following their four months withheld salaries and the non-implementation of agreement they entered into with the federal government in 2009.

“We had a meeting with representatives of the Federal Government in Abuja on Wednesday and nothing tangible came out concerning the issue.

“Yes, they acknowledged the fact that we were on strike and that the action had paralysed activities on campuses of federal universities.

“So, the meeting was nothing but an appeal to suspend the strike, while they do something as soon as possible.

“Now, just imagine a situation where there is no water, no light, no mobilisation of graduates for NYSC, which are all responsibilities of our members in universities.

“The strike will end by 12 midnight. We’ll go back to our various branches to review the outcome of the warning strike, as well as the recent meeting with the federal government, and from there agree on the next line of action.

“We have given a window to do the needful and failure to meet their own side of the bargain will be met with drastic action,” he warned.

He noted that it was no longer news that government would make promises, only to renege on it, citing the 2009 renegotiation agreement as an instance.

“We have the right to go on strike once we follow the due process. It could be a warning strike just like the one that is ending this night (Sunday).

“No one can stifle us, or stop us from voicing out our pains.

“We could picket our working places. We could also report to work without working and so forth.

“All are lawful in the labour law. So, nobody can take them away from us.

“We are not asking for anything outside our rights. We cannot continue this way, because after all, we too are humans, we are also parents, with bills to pay and mouths to feed,” he said.

The union leader blamed the present state of things on the government’s attitude toward the education sector.

He said that members of unions were pained using strike as a last resort to drive home their demands, considering the impact it normally had on the students.

“It is not that the university workers including SSANU like to go on strike, it is the government that always pushes us to apply that sanction. It is unfortunate for the government to take serious matters with levity.

“Members of our various unions are very critical in the running of any given university system. We should be taken seriously, whenever we make demands like our counterpart union in the same system.

“We deserve to be treated equally. There should be no preferential treatment. For government not to have paid us the withheld salaries like our sister union, ASUU, is a great disservice to us.

READ ALSO: Accident claims mother, injures three children in Lagos

“I want to say that we will continue to fight against this injustice until the right thing is done,” he said.

He said that the best way to prevent incessant strikes in the entire education sector was to fund it adequately.

“If you spend well in education, you spend less fighting insecurity, hunger, poverty and others. Government should take a cue from other climes.

“So, the panacea to ending crisis in Nigerian universities, in fact, in the entire sector, is funding and more funding ,” he stated.

He noted that since the struggle by members of the various unions to get government to do the needful, many of them had lost their lives in the last one and half years, due to lack of funds to access good healthcare.

Mohammed also decried the issue of non-autonomy in the university system, adding that the situation was creating issues for the smooth operation of the system.

He urged government to ensure that appointment of vice chancellors and principal officers of universities, especially the federal ones, should be based solely on merit, rather than through what he described as ‘godfatherism’.

The SSANU leader said that same must be applied to appointment of members of Governing Councils across board.

Source: NAN

The post Withheld salaries: SSANU ends warning strike, to review situation appeared first on Frontpageng.

The unions are Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU; Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities, NASU, and National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT.

Mamman told newsmen after the meeting that the federal government would continue to dialogue with the unions to ensure that things did not escalate beyond what it was at that moment.

The unions commenced a seven-day nationwide strike on Monday to protest the refusal of the federal government to release their four-month salaries withheld in 2021 because they embarked on a strike.

The minister said, “It is our expectation that things will not go beyond what it is. We have good understanding with the unions to ensure stability in our tertiary institutions.

“We will do everything possible to maintain confidence in the unions so that the issue of the strike can be rested,’’ he said.

Also speaking, the General-Secretary of NASU, Prince Peters Adeyemi, commended the openness of the government in ending the strike, insisting that the strike continued until favourable response from the government.

“We have been duly briefed by the government team led by the Minister of Education in the efforts that government is making in respect of our demands.

“We have said that since this is a warning strike, this efforts should continue and hopefully before the end of warning strike, something reasonable and tangible will come from government.

“We appreciate their openness but this struggle will continue as soon as we receive positive response from the higher authorities.

“We assure the Nigerian public that the strike will be reviewed appropriately but for now the strike continues while the government continues with efforts to get the desired results so that the universities will come back on stage,” he said.

Corroborating this, the president of NAAT, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, reiterated the decision of other unions, saying that the parties would further consult with their principals and thereafter would come back and brief the minister.

Source: NAN

The post Strike: Minister meets SSANU, NASU, NAAT leaders appeared first on Frontpageng.

Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State, Labour and Employment made the appeal in a statement signed by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry on Monday in Abuja.

It would be recalled that the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU had directed its members to embark on a seven-day warning strike over the non-payment of four months withheld salaries.

Recall that the President Bola Tinubu had in October 2023, directed that the university workers that embarked on prolonged strike in 2022 should be paid four months.

Recall also that the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, who were part of the unions that embarked on the strike had been paid their own withheld four months salaries.

Onyejeocha also expressed displeasure at the action of the unions, which she described as a total disregard of federal government’s concerted effort to address the concern of the unions.

According to her, the ministry was not officially notified by the unions of their intention to proceed on a seven-day warning strike.

“This is contrary to the provisions of section 18 of the Trade Dispute Act.

“The ministry got wind of the intended warning strike and it reached out to the leadership of the unions for an emergency meeting in order to avert the strike.

“Unfortunately, a physical meeting could not be arranged between the unions and the federal government, but a tele-discussion took place between their leadership and the ministry,” she said.

Onyejeocha said that consequently, the ministry suggested another date, Monday 18th March, for a proper conciliation meeting.

She added that that was believing that on the basis of that discussion, the intended strike would be put on hold pending the outcome of the meeting; but that date was rejected by the unions.

The minister however, maintained that strike did not serve any useful purpose and should only be resorted to as a last option after exhausting every conciliation effort.

Onyejocha appealed to SSANU and NASU to step back from their hard-line stance and meet the federal government at the table for conciliation.

She however, appealed to all Nigerians to always take steps that were beneficial to the well-being of the country and the citizens.

Source: NAN

The post FG appeals to SSANU, NASU to call off warning strike appeared first on Frontpageng.